British Gas, the UK’s largest energy and home services company, has partnered with Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s largest networks of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The collaboration will help transition its vehicles to an all-electric fleet and simplify the charging process for its drivers.
The partnership provides British Gas engineers with direct access to Osprey’s nationwide network of over 300 charging stations across the UK. This will create a simple driver experience and provide a centralised fleet billing to support British Gas’ electric fleet operations.
With around 9,000 vehicles, British Gas is one of the UK’s biggest fleet operators and is working towards converting its entire fleet to become fully electric under its net-zero ambition. Last year, Centrica, British Gas owner, committed to electrify its 12,000 strong operational fleet by 2025.
By partnering with nationwide charging networks, British Gas can create a convenient and seamless payment method via one electric fuel card. This improves the electric vehicle public charging experience for its engineers and accelerates electrification. Osprey is the first network to deliver this innovative integration.
As part of the collaboration, the British Gas fleet will also have access to the 150 high-power electric vehicle charging hubs Osprey will deliver by 2024. This part of a £75 million investment programme by the company to exceed drivers’ expectations for charger availability and speed.
Ian Johnston, Osprey Charging CEO, said: “We are thrilled that British Gas has chosen to partner with Osprey to unlock further EV adoption and lead the transition to the future of transport.
“Our market-leading commercial and fleet roaming capabilities provide even more EV drivers with the ultimate charging experience via access to our nationwide, reliable and open rapid charger network.”
James Rooney, British Gas Fleet Engineering and Innovation Manager, said: “It is essential that we support our engineering team with not just an accessible network of charging points, but a method of paying for charging that is hassle-free.
“We know that around seven in ten of our drivers don’t have access to home charging and partnerships such as this will help to provide the confidence required that making the switch to electric is achievable.”
